At the International Women’s Day 2025 virtual event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with GYRIN and UN Women, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Hon. Rinsola Abiola, joined other distinguished speakers to discuss gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Below is the full text of her speech:
I would like to begin by stating that celebrating International Women’s Day is not just about reflection but also about accelerating action for gender equality. This is particularly relevant given the theme for this year and the fact that it has been 30 years since the Beijing Conference, which set the tone for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the push for women’s emancipation worldwide.
As the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, my office focuses on civic education, leadership development, and youth development, particularly in areas related to citizenship and leadership. I am committed to ensuring that citizenship is inclusive, rights-based, and empowering for all young people—including women and girls.
Gender Equality and Citizenship
First, it is essential to establish the link between gender equality and citizenship. Last year, my office actively participated in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. We did so not because my office is specifically a gender office, but because issues like gender-based violence concern all citizens. It is a matter that requires collective action and significantly impacts women’s leadership and the broader concept of citizenship in Nigeria.
Women continue to face legal, cultural, and structural barriers that limit their participation in leadership and governance. Part of my work involves bridging this gap by fostering critical conversations while recognizing that women’s experiences differ from those of men.
Challenges and Solutions for Women’s Leadership
With the unwavering support of the Honorable Minister, my office has organized gender-focused events—not to create division but to acknowledge the unique challenges women face. Women’s experiences in various spaces, including politics, are distinct from those of men.
Having been in politics for a while, I am a founding member of both the youth and women’s wings of the APC. Early on, I noticed that young women in politics face different challenges compared to young men. Initially, it was difficult for people to understand that when we speak of youth, we mean both young men and young women.
Recognizing this, a few of us came together, led by our then Interim National Women Leader, Barrister Sharon Ikeazor, to form the Young Women’s Movement within the party. The goal was to emphasize that young women have a place in politics and to focus on mobilizing them for political participation.
Addressing Legal Barriers and Gender-Based Violence
In addressing legal barriers, we have seen states like Lagos take significant steps in tackling violations of women’s rights. The Domestic Violence Unit in Lagos handles gender-based violence cases with seriousness, and I hope other states will follow suit.
Beyond enacting laws, we must ensure their implementation to protect women’s rights. Having laws on paper is not enough; we must enforce them effectively to create real change.
Women’s Representation in Leadership
Currently, women’s representation in Nigeria’s National Assembly stands at approximately 3.9%—a statistic that underscores the need for greater inclusion. While political appointments have been commendable, thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to gender inclusivity, elected representation remains a challenge.
As Governor of Lagos State, President Tinubu appointed the state’s first female Chief Judge and worked closely with women in leadership. Today, as President, he has ensured women occupy key positions, including ministerial and agency leadership roles. This reflects his progressive stance on gender equity.
However, women’s political inclusion still largely depends on the goodwill of male counterparts. Nigeria has yet to elect a female governor, and the appointment of women into government positions often hinges on whether male governors prioritize gender balance. While states like Kwara and Lagos have made great strides, equitable representation should not be the exception—it should be the norm.
Globally, countries like Rwanda, Ethiopia, and South Africa have successfully increased women’s representation through deliberate policies. Nigeria, as the “Giant of Africa,” must prioritize similar efforts.
Policy Interventions for Gender Inclusion
One significant legislative effort was the Extra Seats Bill, which unfortunately did not pass in the previous National Assembly. However, new attempts are being made to push for policies that mandate women’s representation, similar to how laws drive inclusion in countries like Rwanda. For Nigeria to achieve meaningful progress, we need policies that protect and guarantee women’s inclusion in leadership.
Structural Barriers to Women’s Inclusion
Women face several barriers, including:
• Cultural and social barriers that discourage women from leadership roles.
• Legal and political challenges that make it difficult for women to compete in elections.
• Economic limitations, as wealth and resources remain concentrated in the hands of men.
While more women now have some economic power, disparities persist, making it necessary to advocate for affirmative action. This is not because women cannot compete, but because structural barriers must be addressed before equitable representation can truly be achieved.
Strategies for Advancing Gender Equality
To accelerate progress, we must:
1. Invest in mentorship and capacity building to prepare more women for leadership.
2. Enhance citizenship education and awareness to promote gender-inclusive policies.
3. Collaborate with men and boys, recognizing them as allies.
4. Leverage media and advocacy to push for policy changes and social acceptance.
The Honorable Minister has been extremely supportive of my office and my colleague, Honorable Titilope Gbadamosi, who serves as SA to the President on Youth Initiatives. His gender-friendly approach reflects the type of leadership needed at all levels.
Conclusion
Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a national and global imperative. Leadership begins with small actions: engaging in governance, advocating for policies, and supporting one another.
When women lead, nations thrive.
When women rise, societies prosper.
When you empower a woman, you empower a community.
Let us all work together to accelerate action on women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Thank You.
